Orestes Vilató

Who is Orestes Vilató?

Orestes Vilató is a timbalero/bongosero. He went to New York City at the age of 12, after his father was recruited to be in charge of international flights inaugurated by Cubana de Aviación. He was for many years a member of Ray Barretto's band and, later on, leader of Los Kimbos. Vilató also worked with Carlos Santana, for whom he also played the flute and sang backing, as well as with Israel "Cachao" López.